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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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FORMA: The Topology of Semantic Failure — A Catastrophe-Theoretic Framework for Classifying Semantic Failure Modes in Coupled Interpretive Systems (v1.2.5)

Authors: Tauchen, Joel R.;

FORMA: The Topology of Semantic Failure — A Catastrophe-Theoretic Framework for Classifying Semantic Failure Modes in Coupled Interpretive Systems (v1.2.5)

Abstract

FORMA (Framework for Observation of Recursive Model Architectures) proposes that semantic failure modes in coupled interpretive systems — including but not limited to large language models — map structurally to René Thom's elementary catastrophes. The framework operates at the level of observable coupling dynamics, making no claims about consciousness, phenomenology, or interiority. This upload contains the canonical FORMA theory document (v1.2.5), the frozen theory baseline (v1.1.4) documenting that core claims have remained unchanged through all subsequent patches, Extension I (the Subclinical Continuum), and external convergence evidence documenting that multiple independent 2022-2026 research programs have established singularity theory and phase transition mathematics as governing LLM dynamics — without yet bridging to behavioral failure mode classification at inference time, which is FORMA's specific contribution. The pre-Thom phenomenology (escape classes) has achieved 100% predictive accuracy in Phase 1 validation across 10+ architectures. The catastrophe-theoretic mapping is under active adversarial testing. Known concerns (zombie formalism, co-development bias) are documented in the canonical text. The author's credence on the catastrophe claims is lower than that of the AI systems used to stress-test them.

Keywords

interpretive systems, escape classes, Large Language Models, singularity theory, LLM behavior, inference-time failure modes, semantic failure, Thom's elementary catastrophes, Catastrophe Theory, Phase Transition, phase transitions

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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